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WashingtonHB 10462025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Protecting the vulnerable by providing immunity from civil liability for damage to a motor vehicle arising from the rescue of vulnerable persons or domestic animals.

Sponsored By: Mari Leavitt (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Vehicle rescuers gain protection from damage lawsuits

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington law protects rescuers from civil liability for vehicle damage caused while rescuing certain people or pets. Covered people include anyone under 18 and people whose ability to handle daily activities, care, or self-protection is impaired. Qualifying causes include mental, emotional, sensory, long-term physical, or developmental disabilities or dysfunction, brain damage, or aging-related impairments. Covered pets include dogs, cats, and other domesticated household pets, but not livestock or other farm animals. To qualify, you must determine that the vehicle is locked or there is no reasonable exit without help. You must reasonably believe, in good faith and based on known facts, that entry is needed because of imminent danger. Before entering, you must notify law enforcement or call 911. You must use only the force needed to enter and remove the person or animal. You must stay with them in a safe place reasonably near the vehicle until police, animal control, or other first responders arrive. This protection covers vehicle damage, not other civil or criminal liability.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Amy Walen

    Democratic • House

  • April Berg

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Dan Bronoske

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Fitzgibbon

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Sam Low

    Republican • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 157 • No: 83

House vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 60 • No: 36 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 36 • No: 12 • Other: 1

House vote • 1/30/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 61 • No: 35 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/30/2025House

  2. Chapter 183, 2025 Laws.

    4/30/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/30/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 60; nays, 36; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/17/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 36; nays, 12; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/14/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/14/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/7/2025House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/20/2025House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    3/20/2025House

  16. LAW - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/20/2025House

  17. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    1/31/2025House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 61; nays, 35; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    1/30/2025House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/30/2025House

  20. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    1/28/2025House

  21. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/23/2025House

  22. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/22/2025House

  23. CRJ - Majority; do pass.

    1/22/2025House

  24. CRJ - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/22/2025House

  25. First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

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